Optical wavelength meter measures in 0.3s

The demand for broadband and the move to 100Gb/s transmissions is increasing the need for accurate wavelength measurements. Yokogawa has stepped up to release its AQ6150 series of Optical Wavelength Meters. The new meters are designed to complement the company’s optical spectrum analyzers. I met with Yokogawa’s Andrew Pinelli, National Sales Manager, last week, and he provided me with some insights on the new instruments.

Some of the notable features of the product include the versatile view modes in the display, showing up to 1024 wavelengths with an image or image/chart view. Those performing manufacturing test will appreciate its 0.3s measurement speed/sweep.

Of course, all optical wavelength meters have a reference laser. What impressed me about this one was its MTBF rate. Michael Kwok, Product manager, Optical Test and Measurement for Yokogawa joined us in the meeting via telephone, and he confirmed, “Yokogawa is using an extended life internal reference laser with an estimated life span of 40,000 hours, which is considerably longer than the rated life span of the other leading brand.” Nice.

Right now, the series includes two models. The AQ6151 is designed for high accuracy and features an accuracy spec of +/-0.3pm. The standard accuracy model, AQ6150, offers +/-1pm accuracy. Both units feature a wavelength range of 1270 to 1650nm. The units employ a Michelson interferometer and a high-speed FFT2 algorithm, which make it possible to measure a multiple-wavelength optical signal. Built-in measurement and analysis functions include drift analysis, average measurement, and Fabry-Perot laser analysis.

While the company declined to let me publish pricing on this, they did make the point that the units are designed for low-initial cost as well as low maintenance costs due to the long life expectancy of the reference laser.